Highlights

• Geolocation tracking of voice & data traffic peaks during the time of the day & day of the week
• Network usage pattern recognition through live network data and actual user behaviors
• Automatic network coverage planning according to traffic needs; “cell-edge” loading and off-loading
• Dynamic management of antenna azimuth adjustment according to agreed optimization targets
• A Self-Optimizing-Network platform to maximize network performance based on usage behaviors

Azimuth-SON Brief Description

Azimuth-SON is the ultimate way to dynamically manage the network’s “cell-edge” performance in the azimuth plane.

Based on splitting the geographical radio coverage area of a network cell according to its antenna radiation gain in the azimuth plane, we can identify the high-usage-areas both in time and location (when & where), relative or offset (clockwise or counterclockwise) to the antenna’s main radiation beam. Knowing that:

1. the voice and data traffic peaks generated on a cell’s area are not uniformly distributed relative to the antenna’s maximum radiation gain.
2. the antenna radiation gain is not equal (and maximum) at all 360° azimuthal directions in the antenna’s radiation pattern.
3. all broadband technologies are power-limited utilizing smart power control algorithms in any radio connection established  

we can conclude that when managing to identify in time and location the voice and data traffic peaks, then, by timely adjusting the antenna maximum radiation gain towards these directions, we can take advantage of the smart power control algorithms in order to optimize the network KPI’s simply by exchanging (passive) antenna gain with (active) power resource on the link budgets.

To do so we apply an azimuth scanning method, we collect “live” network data per discrete antenna azimuth scan for specified time periods, we identify the optimum azimuth direction(s) according to the pre-agreed network optimization targets and finally we apply 24/7/365 automatic antenna adjustment according to the traffic patterns and usage behaviors.

The whole solution comprises of a Self-Optimizing-Network platform that utilizes electromechanical antenna azimuth steering devices and suitable network probes for data collection and analysis.

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Azimuth-SON Products & Accessories

ASON-AZ: Electrical Azimuth Steering Modules

ASON-LC: System Local Control Modules

ASON-RC: System Remote Control Modules

ASON-fOSS: System Operating Software Support Modules

ASON-NP: System Network Probing Modules

 For more information regarding Azimuth-SON product technical specifications click here 

Azimuth-SON as a RAS Device

Azimuth-SON can be initially operated as a plain electrical azimuth steering device subject to purchasing and installing the necessary ASON-AZ antenna mounting module. It can be operated locally, remotely or via the RAN vendor’s network maintenance center (NMC), since it is fully compliant to relevant 3GPP-AISG communication protocol.

ASON-AZ can be considered as an antenna accessory product that is capable to electrically steer an antenna 120⁰ (±60⁰) at a 5° step in the azimuth plane. It is “plug-n-play” to any antenna system (legacy or new) and is positioned between the antenna system and its mechanical tilt bracket. The mounting is fitted with a combined 3GPP-AISG remote electrical steering and locking mechanism, which allows any antenna to steer in the azimuth plane while maintaining its verticality on tilt & roll firmly fixed. Due to its embedded optical encoder (azimuth) & digital inclinometer sensors (tilt & roll), ASON-AZ allows a highly accurate 3-dimensional antenna management and control.

ASON-AZ is a powerful IP67 outdoor antenna mounting product that has been manufactured for use in harsh environments. It is a valuable antenna performance improvement product that can be reliably installed, remotely operated and easily maintained on the field.